According to a new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder, USA, strange quantum particles controlled with specific wavelengths of light can destroy superbug infections like E. coli and Salmonella into dropping their guard.

The researchers re-designed existing antibiotics for specific clinical isolate infections via nano-engineered quantum particles which they introduced by special selection. They activated or de-activated the particles using key wavelengths of light.

Co-lead author of the study Prashant Nagpal, an assistant professor at CU Boulder’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CHBE), says: “We’ve developed a one-two knockout punch. The bacteria’s natural fight reaction [to the dots] actually leaves it more vulnerable.”